Soda. It can taste so good and be so addicting. Millions of people consume it everyday. And millions of people reap the unhealthy side effects from it. I was, and sometimes still can be, one of those millions. I was never one of those people that consumed 3 cans a day, or anything like that, but I so like soda, and there have been times when I’ve had too much.

But I know how bad it is for you. You’ve most likely seen images floating around the internet displaying just how much sugar is a 20 oz bottle of soda. It’s absurd, but unfortnately it doesn’t seem to be enough to stop people from drinking all that soda. What about the fact that most sodas are also loaded with artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and other chemicals harmful to our bodies? Nope, that’s not stopping them either.

Why is that? Could it be that soda is addicting? It could be, but addictions can be handled and broken. And if you’re reading this wondering how you can break your soda addiction, I want to share a few ways that helped me break my soda habit.

Get it out of the house and don’t bring it back in.

I know, this sounds simple but it can make all the difference in the world. When you have soda, or any junk food for that matter, it’s so easy to have a little here, a little there and before you know it’s gone. Keeping it out of the house will really have to make you work for it if you want it. Not only will you have to spend the money on it, but you’ll have to go to the store to get it. And if it’s late at night, and you’re already in pajamas? Then you have to change, unless going to the store in PJ’s is your thing. That’s a lot of work for some empty calories and I don’t know if it’s worth it for me.

Find an alternate energy booster.

I get it, there are days when we all need an energy boost mid-day. Soda, however, is not the way to go, especially with all the chemicals in it. Try an all-natural energy booster instead. Try drinks like green tea, a green smoothie, or some Xinja Red by Young Living. You can also try my favorites; some deep breathing or simply get moving. Sometimes standing up and walking around is enough to give a boost of energy to get you going.

Try sparkling water.

There are times when we crave soda. It’s not because we want caffeine but because we want a little something with carbonation. If that’s the case for you, try some flavored or unflavored sparkling water. It might be the ticket you need to replace that soda habit. Try brands like San Pellegrino, La Croix or even your store’s generic brand.

Try flavored water.

OK, so wanting a little carbonation may not be what you want. Maybe you aren’t a water fan. Maybe it’s too bland for you. Try drinking naturally flavored water or making your own by adding some of your favorite to your water. The combinations are endless and it’s so delicious.

Tell someone else about your “No soda” plans.

It may sound silly, but when you tell someone else, especially someone who you are around all the time, like spouse, a close friend or another family member, you are more likely to stick to it. That person makes a great accountaboloty partner and when that soda temptation starts creeping in, you have somewhere there to remind you of your goals. and perhaps, just sharing your goals will spark someone into doing the same.

I wish I could end this post telling you that if you did these simple tips taht you would break that soda habit in no time, but that’s not true. Breaking habit or addiction is hard and takes time and discipline, but if you keep your eyes on the future, you can do this. Just take it one day at a time.

Have you ever had a soda habit? How did you break it?

It should be no secret that I’ve been absent for a while. There are a number of reasons for that, but I often told myself the main reason was school. School was stressing me out. Don’t get me wrong, I like my job, I love the kids and I love most of the people I work with, but I was definitely stressed.

I would come home exhausted but still know my job wasn’t over. I had plenty of wife and mother resposibilities waiting for me when I walked in the door and that was enough to throw working out and longer but healthier prepared meals out the window. Towards the end of the school year, life was about finishing the school year. Between work, family and preparing for a move, a workout was the last thing on my mind.

But now school is over and I still haven’t really worked out. Let’s be real, I have only been out school for less than a week and am really enjoying relaxing and getting things around the house done while the kids are visiting their grandparents, but you would still think I would get some type of workout in. Nope. Not a one.

Why? The only thing I can think of is motivation. Or lack there of. I have a huge support of people both in my everyday real life and on social media but I still can’t seem to use that get me moving. I have goals, which maybe I need to redefine, but I have them. I have encouragement and I have the desire, but maybe I don’t have enough desire.

In my head, I want to work out. I want to get back to running. I want to lose the weight and hit my goal. But in my head, I know how stupid hot and humid it is outside and that doesn’t go well with me. And I know that’s an excuse. And not even a good excuse. There are other workouts I can do that don’t involve being in the heat and humidity. Starting 21 Day Fix over, or how about PiYo, or any other the other workout DVDs I have in my house. And while swimming is outside, you don’t feel that heat and humidity.

But I’m still not going. And that honestly bums me out. I know once I force myself to go, that it will entice me to workout more often. It’s taking that first step to establishing a new routine. I’m having a hard time taking that first step and I honestly don’t know why. There’s nothing really stopping me. Well except thinder and lightning with swimming and running. TJ and I actually tried to go yesterday, got to the pool and heard a loud clap of thunder. back to the house we went. We don’t mess with Mother Nature.

So what’s my excuse today? I don’t have one. Not a valid one anyway. The house can be cleaned later or tomorrow. The laundry will still be waiting for me when I get back, and blog posts will be waiting to be finished another time.

So, that’s it. The excuses stop here. Just writing this out is pushing me. Maybe that’s all we need. A little push, or sometimes a gigantic shove to get us back on track. I’m heading to the pool to swim laps today. No if’s, and’s or but’s (unless that but is thunder and lightning).

How and where do you find your motivation? What gets you to take that first step?